Lacemaking has a significant place in our Well Fashioned hearts. My homes, old and new, are both rooted in UK lacemaking history. Nottingham is the lace making capital of the UK, its industry pre-dates the arrival of the Normans, with its own lace market area dating back to the middle ages. Devon, my new home, is the birthplace of Honiton lace, a type of bobbin lace mostly depicting natural objects such as flowers or leaves. Coincidence? Probably, but what a Well Fashioned perk!

The culture of this industry in the UK is definitely one to celebrate, and thus Lacemaking Day was born! On the 9th September, events around the UK are being held for national Lacemaking Day. Here are a few of my favourites that you could visit if you wanted to learn more about this historic trade, and even have a go at some lacemaking yourself.

A talk on how the Heart of Heritage has and still inspires the Debbie Bryan Lace Archive as well as a demonstration of lace blueprinting and (as long as the sun is shining) an opportunity to create one yourself.

If you aren’t free on the 9th September it doesn’t have to stop you from learning more about the industry as The Fashion Museum in Bath is displaying a beautiful lace exhibition until the 1st January 2018

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It’s nearly back to school time and that awkward phase of the year when summer is ending but the leaves are yet to turn brown and I can’t even fathom the idea of mulled wine. Let’s all face it, we can all get hit with the post-summer blues.

Heritage Open Days have timed their festival of history and culture just perfectly to pull me out of the fading-tan, pimms put to the back of the cupboard, mood. Every year for four days in September, places around Britain throw open their doors to celebrate British heritage and culture across approximately 5000 events, and what’s more, they are all free!

For Well Fashioned wearers, makers and followers this year the festival has ticked a lot of boxes. Here is a round-up of some of the best Well Fashioned Heritage Open Days, held 7-10 September – all focused on the things we love – lace, textiles, jewellery and amazing factory tours.

If you want to search for more events from the Heritage Open Day festival click here. Happy visiting and discovering, and please share you experiences of Well Fashioned events with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

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I’m often seen squeezing myself into a swimsuit that is unfortunately too small – being tall and long in the body has its disadvantages. To be honest, I’m beyond caring – as I firmly believe that the best way to get a bikini body – is just put one on. Not sure who said that, but thanks, I agree.

But, having said that, I do miss the glamour and comfort of a beautifully-made swimsuit. The kind you can actually swim in, the kind that fits and the very elusive kind that gives you confidence if you ever get the chance to lounge around the pool on a hot summer day. In my case, it’s the quick run into the outdoor lido.

So eye spy David Nieper and this luxury swimdress. I’m a big lover of swimdresses but they are so difficult to get right. If the skirt part is too long, swimming is impossible and sometimes the ‘retro’ look is hard to get right. From limited sewing knowledge i.e. watching the Great British Sewing Bee, sewing swimwear is a difficult job and only experienced seamstresses can cope with the stretchy material. View Full Post

A post shared by Wellfashioned (@wellfashioned) on Jul 26, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

Pure London is an annual trade show, in which over 800 exhibitors display their finest collections. Some visitors include buyers from the likes of Asos and Harrods, others are just like me, searching for brilliant brands to fall in love with. And how Pure London delivered! Brands originated from across the globe, from fine Italian jewellery to wild African prints. Yet I was on the hunt for the best Well Fashioned, made in the UK or sustainable, brands. Here are a few of my Well Fashioned highlights of Pure London…

Here is my first Well Fashioned Friday Find, where every Friday I will highlight and celebrate one of my favourite brands featured in the Well Fashioned directories!

We are all susceptible to a bad-fashion day at work, whether there wasn’t enough time to wash our favourite top or perhaps our hair is doing that weird-sticky-up thing. But who cares as long as you feel good.

And, we all deserve comfort as well as style, to look and feel great at work… and this leads me to my first Friday Find…PolkaPants.

PolkaPants have noticed that unlike many of us, female chefs are saddled with the choice of loose fitting, unflattering trousers aimed at a unisex market and therefore don’t often get the opportunity to feel stylish or comfortable at work.

But no more. PolkaPants have created tailored and stylish alternatives to the usual baggy options. Some designs are bold, including their signature polka dot print, adding a unique flare to a chef’s uniform whilst others are simple to ensure that they are suitable for any establishment. The designs are high waisted, slim fitting and cropped at the ankle, keeping style but, above all, comfort in mind. What’s more…PolkaPants are made in London!

My question, do I need to be a chef to wear them? If so, I’m re-training 🙂

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Wellfashioned

Celebrating wearers and makers of #wellfashioned style. Blogging about quality-crafted, ethically-made womenswear and accessories both home and abroad. Made in Britain and Ireland is my specialist subject.